MYAA
Interview: Mangera Yvars Architects MYAA is an architectural design studio established in 2001 by Ali Mangera and Ada Yvars Bravo. The firm is based in Barcelona and London with affiliate offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.
Which urban space - anywhere in the world - has made the greatest impression on you?
The High Line in New York as an elevated dream space built by a resilient community. The Balad area of old Jeddah with its labyrinth of in-between public spaces set amongst dilapidated ruins. Brixton Market in London; an indoor-outdoor space infused by the exotica of immigration. The rooftop terraces and bridges over mud brick homes in Ghadams, Libya, used exclusively by women. Tahrir Square because it represents the reappropriation of urban space and begs the question – what is the architecture of revolution?
Which of the projects that you have been involved in are you most proud of?
We have no favorite projects, just interventions and genres which inspire us in different ways and at different times. Projects start with intensions then take on meanings, yet meanings are fleeting and hostage to circumstance. What may seem appropriate now could be redundant tomorrow. Projects are never complete– even demolished buildings maintain their ghostly residue in the city fabric.
What do you look forward to the most being a part of the exchange programme New Architects DK_UK?
Reciprocity, opposition, exchange, polemic > rethinking! - Ali Mangera and Ada Yvars Bravo replies.
About
Ali Mangera studied structural and environmental engineering at The University of Leeds, England before completing a Master’s Degree at Penn State University, USA. Ali then studied architecture at London Met and at The Architecture Association London completing his postgraduate studies in 1996. Ali has worked at SOM, Chicago and at Zaha Hadid London before starting MYAA in 2001 with Ada Yvars. Ali has served on the Design Review Board of Architecture and Design Scotland and has lectured in the UK and Spain.
Ada Yvars Bravo completed her studies in architecture in 1992 at Barcelona ESTAB. She has worked for Carlos Ferreter in Barcelona before moving to London to work for Pierre D'Avoine and Florian Beigel. Ada spent three years working David Chipperfield in London before starting MYAA in 2001. Ada has taught at various architecture schools and acted as a guest critic in London and Barcelona.
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